Ukraine has upgraded its sea-based Katran drone with strike capabilities reaching targets up to 100 kilometers away, according to the drone’s operator from Ukraine’s HUR military intelligence agency speaking to Militarnyi. The unmanned vessel, originally designed as a kamikaze platform, has evolved into a strategic multi-role system capable of deep and extended operations.

A new strategic weapon in Ukraine’s Black Sea

In an interview with Militarnyi, a special forces operative from the HUR’s Black Sea Legion with the call sign Devyatyi (“Ninth”) described the Katran as a strategic tool and revealed major performance upgrades. He confirmed the drone can operate for up to six days on water and reach targets as far as 3000 kilometers—nearly tripling the publicly stated range of 1,000 kilometers that had been reported back in March.

“The system allows operations beyond 2,000 kilometers. Although we officially state 1,600 km, we’ve already seen examples of 3,000 km missions,” Ninth told Militarnyi.

The Katran is now armed with weapons that strike targets up to 100 km away, guided by artificial intelligence for high precision, according to him.

A sea drone built for versatility and reach

The Katran—named after a type of spiny dogfish a.k.a. mud shark—is a multi-role platform developed by Ukrainian defense manufacturer Military Armored Company HUB. It belongs to a broader family of Ukrainian unmanned surface vessels (USVs) capable of hitting targets in the air, at sea, and far into enemy-controlled territory.

The weapons systems, including FPV drones and missile payloads, are housed in the superstructure built above the drone’s main hull. This modular design enables the platform to carry a diverse set of payloads depending on mission needs.

Operator-centered design

Katran’s control interface includes a custom operator seat modeled after aircraft cockpits. It features an aviation-style yoke and throttle lever, along with multiple control buttons. One of those buttons, according to Militarnyi, likely controls the bow trim of the unmanned vessel during maneuvers.

Operators receive real-time visual data through augmented reality goggles linked to both day and night cameras onboard the drone. This live feed is simultaneously displayed on a rear monitor—presumably to assist command officers at the control station.

From kamikaze boats to reusable strike drones

Ukraine’s naval drone program has rapidly evolved. As Ninth explained, the Katran is no longer a simple kamikaze craft but a long-endurance, reusable platform capable of multiple operations. This marks a dramatic transformation from the first Ukrainian USVs used in the Black Sea in June 2023, which were loaded with explosives and designed for one-way attacks.

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The HUR has invested heavily in expanding a flotilla of unmanned maritime systems. These include launch platforms for kamikaze drones and strike systems capable of engaging both land-based and maneuvering maritime targets.

Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister Mykhailo Fedorov officially revealed the Katran drone in March through his Telegram channel.